Nike to Relaunch the Air Rift for the Summer

Drawing its name from Kenya’s Rift Valley province and inspired by the efficient barefoot style of Kenyan distance runners and their international competition dominance, Nike’s Air Rift was released back in 1996 as the brand’s very first foray into “natural motion” footwear. Launched without much advertising or marketing, the unique split-toe design — itself a nod to the stunning Great Rift Valley fault line — nonetheless caught on as runners and sneaker aficionados were attracted to the stretchy oddity. Now, nearly two decades later, Nike is relaunching the silhouette for Summer 2015. Offering up the retro aesthetic of the OG and retaining its textile-engineered moisture-wicking mesh upper, defining split-toe, Velcro closures and natural motion outsole, 2015’s releases will see the return of OG colorways, as well as the debut of some brand new make-ups.

Look for original colorways of the Air Rift to return to NSW retailers worldwide April 27 while new colorways for both men and women are due to be available beginning May 15.